The effects of picture story book reading practices on early literacy and Mathematics skills of 48-60 month-old children

Preschool period is a critical period full of unique experiences where the foundations of many behaviors and skills in human life are laid. The basis of early academic success lies in early literacy and early mathematics skills. There are many works of children's literature with different qualities that can be effective in children's acquisition of mathematical skills in early childhood. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of picture story book reading practices on the early literacy and mathematics skills of 48-60 month-old children. For this purpose, experimental design and observation were used together in this mixed method research. In the experimental phase, a pre-test post-test control group design was preferred, and 30 book reading practices were carried out with the children in the experimental group for eight weeks. After the book reading practices, the observations obtained from the sessions were recorded in the researcher diaries by the researcher. The research was conducted with 48-60 month old children in the independent kindergarten affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Kepez Town of Çanakkale Province. In the research, "Picture Story Books Assessment Scale", "Criteria Form for Determining Mathematics Concepts and Skills in Illustrated Story Books", "Demographic Information Form", "Early Literacy Skills Assessment Tool (EOBDA)" and "Early Mathematics Test (EMAT)" were used. SPSS Package Program was used in the experimental phase to analyze the data obtained, and observation records were analyzed with the descriptive analysis technique. According to the results of the research, it was seen that the use of picture story books was beneficial in developing early literacy and mathematics skills. In addition, it has been determined that these two academic skills are related to each other. According to the results obtained from the research, suggestions were made to practitioners and educators.